NLFSD Chapter 68

Chapter 68

The long‑awaited Friday dawned at last. Finally, it’s Let’s World day!

At the thought, sleepiness vanished, and Jiwoon sprang from bed far earlier than usual, eyes sparkling.

“Taecheon, good morning!”

“You’re brimming with energy.”

“Of course. We’re going to Let’s World today! I need to wash up quickly.”

He dashed into the bathroom. Standing before the mirror adjusting his collar, Seo Taecheon watched fondly, unable to hide his smile.

“Headbands, don’t forget the headbands.”

After his shower, Jiwoon carefully blow‑dried his hair straight. It was crucial — he planned to wear a headband, so his hair couldn’t pouf up.

Headbands first thing. Forget churros, forget ice cream. No matter what rides people suggest, don’t get distracted…

Too excited to keep still, he found himself humming and wiggling limbs, even dancing the ridiculous Reflection campaign jingle he’d seen in Min’s video the day before.

“Darling honey~~ I love you sooo much~~”

It came out atrociously, off‑pitch and off‑beat, unrecognizable even as parody. Truth be told, Jiwoon was not only bad at acting — he couldn’t sing or dance either. His imitation of the mascots’ choreography looked more like random flailing.

“Jiwoon, I hear strange noises. Is everything alright?”

Alarmed by the bizarre sounds from the bathroom — which didn’t even register as a song — Taecheon knocked.

“N‑no, it’s nothing! I just… got excited about going to Let’s World and sang a bit.”

Embarrassed, Jiwoon rubbed the back of his neck.

“Ah… I see. That was… singing?”

That counted as singing? He held his tongue — better a white lie than wounding Jiwoon’s pride.

“You sing well.”

“Really?”

Jiwoon beamed as he stepped out. Taecheon only nodded calmly. Truth was, he had great talent for kind lies. They really were a perfect duo.

The morning was effectively excused as half‑leave for all staff. People would trickle in late, check mails or slack, then the entire company would dine together before moving en masse to Let’s World that evening.

So both Seo Taecheon and Jiwoon still had to “show face” at the office in the afternoon. Thankfully, today allowed free dress code.

In front of his full‑length mirror, Jiwoon mulled over his outfit. Not formal, but not childish either.

After much deliberation, he chose a clean knitted sweater — not too casual, yet stylish. Navy slacks emphasized his trim legs, balanced with sneakers for ease.

Taecheon wore dark trousers, a white shirt, and a less‑formal jacket on top. The ensemble softened his normally austere executive aura into something more approachable — though still impossibly striking for any “ordinary employee.”

“You look amazing!”

“You look wonderful as well. I like that knit.”

“You bought this for me.”

“I remember. I picked it myself.”

The knit cost over a million won — when Jiwoon first saw the tag, he’d nearly fainted. But charmed by Taecheon’s compliment, he’d accepted it happily.

“Let’s go in my car. Most employees won’t reach the office until five or six, so we’ll avoid notice leaving now.”

“Good idea.”

To dodge coworkers’ eyes, they left early. Before Jiwoon climbed in, Taecheon pre‑warmed the car, cleaning the passenger seat. The small kindness made Jiwoon glow inside.

“It’s warm.”

“Like it?”

“Of course. I love it.”

“Then we’re ready to go. Seatbelt, please.”

Leaning over, Taecheon buckled him in. His scent enveloped Jiwoon, making his heart pound. Unable to suppress the giddiness, he stared holes into his handsome face.

“You’re staring quite intently.”

“Eh? Ah—yes.”

“Do I have something on my face?”

“N‑no, actually… I just wanted to pay the fare.”

Grinning, Taecheon chuckled.

“You’re right, the fare.”

“S‑so… please close your eyes for a second.”

Jiwoon leaned forward and kissed him — a soft peck. When he withdrew, Taecheon slowly opened his eyes.

“Hm… fare’s not enough.”

“What?”

“Sorry, but I’ll take a bit more.”

Cupping the back of his neck, he pulled him close, lips locking in a deep kiss. Tongues mingled, breaths sticky sweet, leaving Jiwoon dizzy with bliss.

Am I supposed to be the one paying, or is he the one profiting? Feels like I won instead…

Finally, Jiwoon forced himself to stop.

“Wait — we’ll be late!”

“Employees will arrive soon. You’re right, let’s hurry.”

Flustered, Taecheon started the car. Even that sight — his calm shaken — made Jiwoon melt with affection. Truly, they reeked of coupledom.

At the office, some staff including Song Team Leader were already present. In relaxed dress, their stiff weekday aura shed.

“Oh, Assistant Lee looks gorgeous casual too,” Song smirked, winking.

“…Excuse me?”

“I said, gorgeous.”

“Uh… must’ve been a call I missed?”

Pretending not to hear, Jiwoon turned away with a grimace. Calling your subordinate “beautiful” — workplace harassment much? Bastard.

Cursing inwardly, he booted up his computer. Song, meanwhile, eyed him like meat — noticing his knit was a top luxury brand, never on sale, hottest of the season.

Look at that — cost at least two grand. Definitely from a wealthy family.

He preened at his reflection, hair waxed high like a peacock flaunting. He was already scheming.

Scary rides boost attraction, they say. Take him on the Viking, last row, maybe hold hands, even hug. Or the haunted house — he’ll cling, and I’ll wrap him tight…

While he dreamed empty fantasies, Jiwoon buried himself in clearing backlog — mails, draft reports, client calls.

After an hour, the announcement came: all employees dismissed to prepare for the evening. Cheers rang as people grabbed their bags.

Dinner was provided at a family restaurant near the office. Eating in cliques, everyone enjoyed it far more than cafeteria meals. When done, they headed to the buses lined up.

From various departments, old classmates gathered. PR, accounting — though working in the same tower, it was rare to see each other.

“Jiwoon, it’s been ages since we saw you!”

PR teammate Kang Hee‑joo pouted dramatically. The others chimed in, scolding him for missing recent hangouts.

“Yeah, sorry — I’ve been busy.”

“You even skipped the alumni dinner. Don’t tell me… are you dating someone?”

Sharp‑eyed Hee‑joo’s question made Jiwoon jolt in panic.

Footnotes:

1. “요금 (fare)” joke — A recurring romantic trope in Korean dramas: kissing as “payment” or “toll fee.” Here, Taecheon pushes it into a passionate extension.